Syringe Plunger with Hinged Flange

ABSTRACT

A plunger for movably mounting within a cavity or barrel of a syringe. The plunger includes a contact face having a flange movably mounted thereto, wherein the flange is movable between an open configuration wherein an opening is formed between the flange and a portion of the plunger, the opening configured for engagement with an IV hook or other engagement member, and a closed configuration wherein the upper surfaces of the contact face and the flange are generally planar with one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/299,604 filed Feb. 25, 2016 and U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/439,711 filed Feb. 22, 2017, theentirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of collection anddispensing of fluids, and more particularly to a syringe plunger havinga hinged flange for application of pressure on the plunger and forhanging the plunger.

BACKGROUND

Syringe pumps, or drivers, are small infusion pumps used to graduallyadminister fluids from a syringe to a patient. When administering drugs(e.g. painkillers, antiemetics, etc.) syringe pumps prevent periodsduring which the medication levels in the blood are too high or too low,and prevent a patient from having to repeatedly take tablets or pills.Additionally, syringe pumps are effective at administering medicationover many minutes or hours and often reduce errors by caretakers. Oneparticular use of syringe pumps is in the field of enteral feedingadministration. For example, syringe pumps are especially useful for theadministration of breast milk (or suitable substitutes), formula,medication, nutritional supplements or other enteral fluids in the careand treatment of neonatal children.

Syringes can also be used with gravity feed systems, for example, whenadministering nutrients and/or medications to a neonatal patient. Whenadministering fluids to a patient via a gravity-feed system, the syringeplunger can be removed from the syringe body to prevent a vacuum fromdeveloping inside the syringe as the fluid leaves the syringe and entersthe patient. The removal of the plunger from the syringe body is oftenseen as a drawback to this process and requires that a user take specialcare in storing the plunger while the syringe is being utilized. In thepast, users have strapped the plunger to the syringe body or otherwisestored the plunger on a sterile tray or other location to avoidpermanently separating these components. Removing the plunger from thesyringe body can expose the contents of the syringe to unwantedpathogens, dust or other foreign matter, which can be harmful to apatient.

To alleviate the need for removing the plunger from the syringe to allowfor venting, syringes have been developed to provide venting while atleast a portion of the plunger is still engaged with the syringe, forexample, so that the drawbacks of potentially exposing the plunger tounwanted pathogens, dust or foreign matter is eliminated. U.S. Publishedpatent application Ser. No. 13/231,185, Patent Application PublicationNo. US 2012/0071853 and U.S. Published patent application Ser. No.14/614,156, Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0148753, showvented syringes for use with gravity feed systems, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

When administering fluids to a patient via a gravity feed system, it isgenerally desirable to hang the syringe and plunger assembly at aposition above the patient that is receiving the fluids from thesyringe. Some syringes may include a handle mounted to the syringe bodyfor permitting hanging. Alternatively, a hole or tether can be providedon a flange of a syringe plunger for hanging the syringe. U.S. Publishedpatent application Ser. No. 14/224,297, Patent Application PublicationNo. US 2014/0207098, shows a vented syringe plunger including a tetherprovided thereon, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference forall purposes.

In some instances, modifications made to a syringe to allow for hangingfor use with gravity feed applications can negatively affectcompatibility of the syringe with metering pumps. Thus, it can be seenthat needs exist for improved syringes having a plunger that can beutilized for hanging in gravity-feed applications, and that iscompatible with metering pumps in applications.

It is to the provision of a syringe having a hinged plunger flangemeeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarilydirected.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a syringe having a hinged plungerflange, which allows the syringe to be compatible for use with ametering pump when the hinged plunger flange is in a down, pumpcompatible position and for use in hanging the syringe when the hingedplunger flange is in a second position, for example, an upright orexpanded configuration.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a syringe having a plunger formovably mounting within a syringe cavity, the plunger including a firstend and a second end, and a middle body portion extending between thefirst and second ends, wherein a sealing head is provided at the firstand a contact face is provided at the second end, wherein the contactface comprises a fixed portion and a flange portion movable relative tothe fixed portion between an open configuration and a closedconfiguration, wherein in the open configuration an IV hook or otherengagement member can engage an opening formed in the flange portion.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a syringe plunger formovably mounting within a syringe barrel. The plunger includes a firstend and a second end, and a middle body portion extending between thefirst and second ends. In example embodiments, a sealing head isprovided at the first end and a contact face is provided at the secondend, wherein the contact face includes a fixed portion mounted to themiddle body portion and a flange portion mounted to the fixed portionand movable relative to the fixed portion between an open configurationand a closed configuration. In example embodiments, in the openconfiguration an IV hook or other engagement member can engage anopening formed in the flange portion.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a syringe plunger formovably mounting within a syringe barrel. The syringe plunger includes acontact face including a hinged portion and a fixed portion, wherein thehinged portion is pivotally coupled to the fixed portion and movablebetween an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in theopen configuration an opening is accessible for receiving a hangingsupport member

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a syringe including asyringe barrel and a syringe plunger adapted to advance and retractwithin the syringe barrel. The syringe plunger includes a contact flangewith a hinged portion movable between a retracted position adapted foruse with a syringe pump or manual actuation, and an extended positionadapted for hanging from a support.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of example embodimentsof the invention will be understood with reference to the drawingfigures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by meansof the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of theinvention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a syringe plunger having a pivoting orhinged pressure flange according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention, the flange being positioned in a flat or collapsedconfiguration.

FIG. 2 shows the plunger of FIG. 1, showing the flange positioned in anextended or upright configuration and showing a hook portion beinglooped through a portion of the flange for hanging the plunger (andsyringe).

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of a portion of the plunger of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed bottom perspective view of a portion of theplunger of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the plunger of FIG.1 taken along line 5-5, showing interengagement of portions of theflange with an end plate of the plunger.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the plunger of FIGS. 3-4, showing the flangepositioned in the extended or upright configuration.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the plunger with the flange positioned in asubstantially flat or collapsed configuration, showing a hinge thereofbeing at least partially flexed.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the plunger of FIG. 1, showing the flangebeing positioned in a substantially flat or collapsed configurationwherein the hinge connecting the flange to the plunger is substantiallyunflexed and planar.

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of a syringe plunger having apivoting or hinged pressure flange according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention, the flange being positioned in anextended or upright configuration.

FIG. 10 shows a rear perspective view of the syringe plunger of FIG. 9,the flange being in a flat or collapsed configuration.

FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of the syringeplunger of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a syringe plunger having a pivotingor hinged pressure flange according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention, the flange being positioned in an extended or uprightconfiguration.

FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the syringe plunger of FIG. 12,and showing the flange being positioned in a flat or collapsedconfiguration.

FIG. 14 shows the syringe plunger of FIG. 13, showing the flange beingpositioned in an extended or upright configuration.

FIG. 15 shows a syringe plunger having an opening or engagement portionaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed perspective view of the plunger of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a syringe comprising the plunger of FIG. 1 movably mountedtherein, and showing the syringe and plunger being engaged with asyringe pump according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 shows a syringe comprising the plunger of FIG. 2, and showingthe flange thereof in an extended or upright configuration whereby ahook or other support engages the flange to suspend the syringe for useas a gravity feed system.

FIG. 19 shows a syringe comprising the plunger of FIG. 1, and showing auser manually operating the plunger by depressing the pressure platewith the hinged flange in a flat or collapsed configuration.

FIG. 20 shows a syringe plunger having a contact face according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-8 show a syringe plunger 10 according to an example embodimentof the present invention. In example forms, the plunger 10 is configuredfor sealingly engaging the interior containment cavity of a syringebarrel or body, for example, wherein advancement or retraction of theplunger 10 within the cavity of the syringe barrel varies the containedvolume of the syringe to discharge or fill the syringe with fluidcontents such as fluids for enteral delivery.

According to example forms, the syringe is optionally a vented syringe,having one or more vents allowing fluid passage between the syringebarrel and plunger, such that the plunger is movable between a ventedposition and a sealed/vacuum position. U.S. Published patent applicationSer. No. 13/231,185, Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0071853;U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 14/224,297, PatentApplication Publication No. US 2014/0207098; and U.S. Published patentapplication Ser. No. 14/614,156, Patent Application Publication No. US2015/0148753, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and showexample vented syringes for use with gravity feed systems, the ventedsyringe barrels of which may be adapted to receive a syringe plungerhaving a hinged pressure flange according to example embodiments of thepresent invention.

In example embodiments, the syringe plunger 10 comprises a first ordistal end 12 and a second or proximal end 14. The distal end 12comprises a sealing head 16 for tightly engaging an inner wall of acavity of a syringe body with a fluid tight seal, and the proximal end14 comprises a pressure plate, thumb pad or contact face 20 to engage adepressor of a syringe pump (or permit user manipulation by handoperation). A main body portion 22 of the plunger 10 generally connectsthe first end 12 to the second end 14. In example forms, the main bodyportion 22 generally comprises one or more planar ribs 24 connecting thesealing head 16 to the contact face 20. In one form, the main bodyportion 22 comprises generally uniform ribs 24 having a cruciformcross-section in the shape of a plus (+) sign. Optionally,cross-sections of other desired shapes and configurations can be chosenas desired. As shown in FIG. 2 and according to example embodiments, thecontact face 20 of the syringe plunger 10 comprises a fixed portion 30and a hinged or flange portion 50 generally mounted to move relative tothe fixed portion 30. As depicted in FIG. 1, the ribs 24 can compriseone or more cutouts, which reduce the overall diameter of the ribs to asize for engagement with the fixed portion 30 of the contact face 20.Furthermore, one or more discs or supports 26 can be formed with one ormore of the ribs 24 along the length of the main body portion 22 forproviding additional support.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the flange portion 50 of the contact face 20of the syringe plunger 10 is generally hinged to pivot relative to twogenerally symmetrical wings or arms 32 extending from opposite sides ofthe fixed portion 30. According to one example form, the contact face 20of the plunger 10 is generally disc-shaped or generally circular wherebythe fixed portion 30 is generally T-shaped and the flange portion 50 isgenerally U-shaped, for example, wherein the ends of the U-shaped flangeportion 50 are pivotally or hingedly mounted to upper horizontal ends 34of the T-shaped fixed portion 30 (e.g., the arms 32), such that in aretracted or collapsed configuration (see FIG. 1) a central member orportion 40 of the T-shaped fixed portion 30 can be received in an 56opening of the U-shaped flange portion 50 to form a generally flat anduniform contact face 20 adapted for manipulation by a user or a syringepump.

In example embodiments, a living hinge 60 is provided between the fixedand flange portions 30, 50 of the syringe plunger 10 such that the twoportions are generally integrally formed together with a thin web offlexible material extending therebetween, allowing for hinged movementof the flange portion 50 relative to the fixed portion 30, for example,between a closed, flat, collapsed or retracted position (see FIG. 1),and an open, expanded, extended or upright configuration (see FIGS. 2-4)for allowing a hook (e.g., IV hook) or other engagement member to extendthrough an opening formed in the flange portion for hanging the syringeand plunger in a substantially vertical orientation, for example,wherein the plunger is moved to a vented position to permit discharge ofthe fluid therein within a feeding tube and to the patient (see FIG.18). For example, according to example embodiments, the living hinge 60is generally integrally connected between the upper horizontal ends 34of the fixed portion 30 (see FIG. 3) and hinge connection faces 62defined at the ends of the arms 52 of the flange portion 50 (see FIG.4). Optionally, the living hinge 60 can be provided on other portions ofthe fixed and flange portions 30, 50, for example, to permit movement ofthe flange portion 50 relative to the fixed portion 30 between thecollapsed configuration (see FIGS. 5 and 8) and the uprightconfiguration.

According to example embodiments, the flange portion 50 comprises twoend extensions or arms 52 that are generally offset from one another anda middle section or central connection portion 54 connecting togethertop portions of the two arms 52, for example, to form a generallyupside-down U-shaped member. In example forms, the contact face orpressure plate 20 is generally circular in shape, and thus, the middlesection 54 and outer portions of the arms 52 are generally arcuate orradiused to match the profile of the contact face. As depicted in FIGS.4-5, the flange portion 50 comprises at least one engagement or couplingfeature for providing coupling engagement with a portion of the fixedmember, for example, when the flexible member is moved to the collapsedconfiguration such that upper surfaces 46, 70 of the fixed and flangeportions 30, 50 are substantially planar relative to each other. Inexample embodiments, a ridge, protrusion, clip or ledge 64 is providedalong interior portions of the arms 52 for providing removableengagement with portions of the fixed portion.

In example embodiments, opposite sides of the central member 40 of thefixed portion 30 comprise channels 42 for receiving and providingcoupling interengagement with the ledges 64 of the arms 52 of the flangeportion 50. Generally, the features of the upper surfaces of the fixedand flange portions are matching such that in the retractedconfiguration the contact face is completed and can be used normally(e.g., for compressing in a pump or grasping for moving the plungerrelative to the syringe barrel). In example embodiments, the uppersurfaces of the fixed and flange portions 30, 50 comprise gripping orsurface features in the form of a linear array of ribs or channels. Forexample, the fixed portion 30 comprises one or more surface features 47and the flange portion comprises surface features 72. Optionally, othersurface features can be provided as desired.

In example embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, moving the flange portionto a retracted or closed position causes the flange portion 50 to becomeengaged with the fixed portion 30 such that the flange portion 50 ismounted at a position relative to the fixed portion to cause upwardbulging or outwardly bowing of the living hinges 60 for example, suchthat the flange portion is generally positioned at least partiallycloser than the extension of the flange portion (see FIG. 7). As shownin FIGS. 7-8, a user or feed pump may apply a force to the contact face20 to move the flange portion 50 outwardly relative to the fixed portion30. In example embodiments, ends 36 of the arms 32 of the fixed portion30 relative to ends of the arms 62 of the flange portion 50 comprises alength X of between about 0.1 to about 1 millimeters, more preferablybetween about 0.2 to about 0.8 millimeters, for example about 0.6millimeters according to example embodiments. As desired, a user canmove the flange portion from a closed position to an open position bypushing upwards on at least a portion of the flange portion whileholding the fixed portion and/or the main body portion of the syringeplunger. In example embodiments, the contact face 20 comprises athickness T of between about 1.50-2.50 millimeters, for example betweenabout 2.00-2.25 millimeters according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention. Optionally, other thicknesses T can be provided asdesired.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the flange portion 50 is in the uprightconfiguration with flange portion 50 generally extending at an angle arelative to the fixed portion 30, for example, wherein a is generallybetween about 25-165 degrees, more particularly for example betweenabout 45-135 degrees, for example about 90 degrees according to exampleembodiments. In example embodiments, the plunger 10 is formed byinjection molding whereby the flange portion 50 is molded in the uprightconfiguration with the angle a being about 90 degrees. Thus, in arelaxed or equilibrium state, the flange portion 50 generally extends atan angle of about 90 degrees relative to an upper surface of the fixedportion. As such, when the plunger is engaged with a syringe and withthe flange portion in the upright configuration, an IV hook or otherhook or engagement member can easily engage the flange portion byextending a portion thereof through an opening 56 formed between thearms 52 and the central connection portion 54 of the flange portion 50,and the upper surface 46 of the fixed portion 30 (see FIG. 18).

FIGS. 9-11 show a plunger 100 according to another example embodiment ofthe present invention. As depicted, the plunger 100 is generally similarto the plunger 10 and comprises a first or distal end 112 and a secondor proximal end 114. The distal end 112 comprises a sealing head 116 fortightly engaging an inner wall of a cavity of a syringe body with afluid tight seal, and the proximal end 114 comprises a pressure plate,thumb pad or contact face 120 to engage a depressor of a syringe pump(or permit user manipulation by hand operation). A main body portion 122of the plunger 100 generally connects the first end 112 to the secondend 114. In example forms, the main body portion 122 generally comprisesone or more planar ribs 124 connecting the sealing head 116 to thecontact face 120.

In example embodiments, the contact face 120 at the second end 114comprises a fixed portion 130 and a hinged hanging flange portion 150that is movable relative to the fixed portion 130. According to exampleforms, the flange portion 150 is connected to the fixed portion 130 by aplurality resiliently flexible living hinges 164, for example, about 9separate hinges. Optionally, more or less hinges can be provided asdesired. In example embodiments, the fixed portion 130 generallycomprises a portion of a complete disc-shaped contact face, and theflange portion 150 comprises the other portion of the completedisc-shaped contact face, and wherein the flexible living hinges 164generally extend between an end face 134 of the fixed portion 130 and anend face 166 of the flange portion 150, for example, such that theflange portion 150 is movable between the collapsed configuration (FIG.10) and the upright configuration (FIGS. 9 and 11).

As shown in FIG. 11, the fixed portion 130 comprises at least oneinterengagement feature 136 for coupling the flange portion 150 in thecollapsed configuration, for example, such that the pressure plate 120can be compatible for engagement with a syringe pump or for beingpressed by a user's thumb (see FIGS. 17-19). In example embodiments, theinterengagement feature 136 comprises a platform 140 having a pair ofengagement fingers 142 extending outwardly from the end face 134 of thefixed portion 130 (and the fingers 142 being generally laterally offsetfrom the platform 140) for being received within a pair of spaced-apartchannels or receivers 162 formed in the flange portion 150. In exampleembodiments, the receivers 162 comprise end engagement surfaces 163 forproviding engagement with the fingers 142. For example, in exampleembodiments, the fingers 142 comprise end surfaces 143 for engaging theend engagement surfaces 163 of the receivers 162 when the flange portion150 is in the collapsed configuration. Furthermore, when the flangeportion 150 is in the collapsed configuration and the end surfaces 143of the fingers 142 are engaging the end engagement surfaces 163 of theflange portion 150, a lower surface 156 of the flange portion 150generally contacts the platform 140. In example embodiments, the uppersurfaces 144, 152 of the fixed and flange portions 130, 150 comprisesurface features 146, 154 in the form of protruding and spaced-apartribs. In example embodiments, the fingers 142 extending from the fixedportion 130 are generally extensions of two of the surface features 146.According to example embodiments, the fingers 142 generally extend alength such that there is at least some interference of the end surfaces143 and the end engagement surfaces 163. Optionally, other engagement orcoupling features can be provided for coupling the flange portion 130 inthe collapsed configuration.

In example embodiments, flange portion 130 can comprise one or moreholes, slots or other openings 160 formed therein for receiving an IVhook or other engagement member for suspending the plunger and anattached syringe. In the depicted embodiment shown in FIG. 11, theflange portion 150 generally comprises a circular opening formed throughthe flange portion 150, for example, about at a midpoint definedtherebetweeen. Alternatively, the opening 160 can be other shapesincluding polygonal, oval, or other shapes as desired.

FIGS. 12-14 show a syringe plunger 200 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. As depicted and similarly describedabove, the contact face 220 is generally disc-shaped and comprises afixed portion 230 and a flange portion 250, and wherein the flangeportion 250 is generally movably mounted to pivot relative to a portionof the fixed portion 230 about a linear pivot edge 232. According toexample embodiments, a single living hinge 264 pivotally joins theflange portion 250 to the fixed portion 230 across the width of thecontact face 220 of the syringe plunger. In example embodiments, a pairof generally elongate and radiused protrusions 262 of the flange portionare configured for coupling interengagement with engagement receivers240 of a platform 236 of the fixed portion 130. In example embodiments,the receivers 240 and the protrusions 262 are generally complementary inshape, for example, to provide for fitting interengagement therebetween.In example embodiments, the coupling engagement of the receivers 240 andprotrusions 262 is such that at least some interference if providedtherebetween, for example to ensure some amount of frictional engagementtherebetween generally keeps the flange portion 150 in the collapsedconfiguration. To move the flange portion to the upright configuration,the user uses a finger or other tool to lift the flange portion relativeto the fixed portion. In example embodiments, an end portion 238 of theplatform 236 comprises a larger radiused cutout (defined between the twoengagement receivers 240) such that a portion of the flange portion 250overhangs the platform 136 and beyond the end portion 238. Thus, afinger, tool or other device can engage only a portion of the flangeportion 250 to move the flange portion 250 from the collapsedconfiguration to the upright configuration. As similarly describedabove, an opening can be formed through the flange portion 250 forreceiving an IV hook or other hanging support. In example forms, the topsurfaces of the fixed portion and the flange portion comprise an arrayof protruding ribs 244, 254.

FIGS. 15-16 show a plunger 300 according to another example embodimentof the present invention. As depicted, the plunger 300 is generallysimilar to the plungers 10, 100, 200 as described above, for example,which comprises a first or distal end 312 and a second or proximal end314. The distal end 312 comprises a sealing head 316 for tightlyengaging an inner wall of a cavity of a syringe body with a fluid tightseal, and the proximal end 314 comprises a contact face 320 to engage adepressor of a syringe pump or permit user manipulation by handoperation. A main body portion 322 of the plunger 300 generally connectsthe first end 312 to the second end 314. In example forms, the main bodyportion 322 generally comprises one or more planar ribs 324 connectingthe sealing head 316 to the contact face 320. According to exampleembodiments, an engagement feature 330 comprising a U-shaped connectoror spaced-apart arms 332 connect the main body portion 322 to thecontact face 320. According to example embodiments, at least onepass-through or opening 334 is formed within the engagement feature 330such that an IV hook or other hanging support can engage therewith forhanging the plunger (and syringe attached thereto). In exampleembodiments, the contact face 320 is generally circular in shape andcomprises a generally planar upper surface 340 having a plurality ofspaced-apart ribs 342 protruding from the upper surface 340 thereof.

In use, the hinged portion of the contact flange of the syringe plungeris positioned in its flat or retracted position for use with a syringe Swhen using a syringe pump SP or for manual actuation of the syringe (seeFIGS. 17 and 19). In example embodiments, the syringe S comprises afemale connector FC (see FIGS. 18-19) in the form of an ENFit compatibleconnector or coupling, for example, which can be connected with anotherENFit compatible coupling (which can be connected to a feeding tube FT).In example embodiments, one or more syringe pump clamps C preferablyengage the contact flange of the plunger to retain the contact flange upagainst the driving arm of the pump. As recited above, the thickness Tof the contact flange is preferably between about 2-2.25 millimeters,for example, which provides a sufficient thickness for accommodatingengagement with the syringe pump clamps C. Alternatively, the hingedportion of the contact flange of the syringe plunger is positioned inits upright or extended position for hanging a syringe S in gravity-feedapplications, with an IV hook or other hanging support H extendingthrough the opening in the hinged portion of the contact flange to hangthe syringe (see FIG. 18). As described above according to some exampleembodiments, the syringe S comprises one or more vents V, for example,to utilize the syringe assembly in a gravity-feed system. Further, thevented syringe and plunger of the present invention can be used formanual manipulation or mounted for use with a syringe pump SP.

According to one example form, the packaged plunger (e.g., before beingopened by an end user) is generally configured such that the hingedportion is in its flat or retracted position. According to exampleembodiments, for example in the case when the plunger is molded with thehinged portion in the upright or extended position, the home position ofthe hinged flange is generally in the flat, retracted position, forexample, which can be manipulated with one or more fingers or thumb, andfor compatible use with a metering pump. According to some exampleembodiments, after the manufacture thereof for example in the case wherethe plunger is plastic injection molded with the flange being in theupright configuration, one or more of the molded plungers can bedirected to an assembly line or feeding machine whereby one or moremachines and/or operators move the flange portion from the uprightconfiguration to the collapsed configuration, for example, such that theplunger, when assembled individually or with the syringe, is packagedwith the flange in the collapsed configuration. Alternatively, in thecase where the plunger is assembled with the syringe prior to packagingof the assembly, the plunger with the flange in the uprightconfiguration can be assembled with the syringe and then the assemblycan be moved through an automated process whereby a portion of thesyringe is captured by a machine or fixture which in turn performs oneor more steps to move the flange portion of the contact face from theupright configuration to the collapsed configuration. Optionally, anindividual can grab the assembled syringe and plunger and manually movethe flange portion from the upright configuration to the collapsedconfiguration.

FIG. 20 shows a plunger 400 according to another example embodiment ofthe present invention. As depicted, the plunger 400 comprises a contactface 420 comprising an upper surface 422 and optionally having aplurality of raised projections or other surface features, for example,as described above with respect to other embodiments of the invention.In example embodiments, the contact face 420 is generally a one piececircular disc having one or more openings 430 extending through theentirety of the contact face 420, for example such that an IV hook orother hanging support H can extend through at least one of the openings430 to provide for suspending or hanging of the syringe plunger 400 (andsyringe barrel S connected with the plunger 400). According to oneexample embodiment, the openings are generally circular in shape andsized for compatibility with the support H. Optionally, openings ofother shapes and sizes can be provided as desired. In other exampleembodiments, one of the openings can be shaped and sized forcompatibility with a first support type, hanger or feature, and theother openings can be sized and shaped for compatibility with anothersupport type, hanger or feature, for example, wherein multiplesupportive features can be used to hang the syringe therefrom.Optionally, the one or more openings can be sized and shaped forcompatibility with a range of supports is various sizes and shapes.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred andexample embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within thescope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A syringe, comprising: a syringe barrel; asyringe plunger adapted to advance and retract within the syringebarrel, the syringe plunger comprising a contact flange with a fixedportion and a hinged portion, the hinged portion movable between aretracted position and an extended position, the retracted positionadapted for use with a syringe pump or manual actuation, the extendedposition adapted for hanging from a support.
 2. The syringe of claim 1,wherein, when the hinged portion is in the extended position, an openingis defined therethrough for hanging the support.
 3. The syringe of claim1, further comprising at least one vent and an ENFit compatiblecoupling.
 4. The syringe of claim 3, wherein the ENFit compatiblecoupling comprises a female connector.
 5. The syringe of claim 1,wherein, when the hinged portion is in the retracted position, thecontact flange defines a flat profile.
 6. The syringe of claim 1,wherein the contact flange comprises a pair of arms and a centralmember.
 7. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the hinged portion comprisesa U-shaped portion comprising end extensions and a central connectionportion.
 8. The syringe of claim 7, wherein each of the end extensionsare movably mounted to the pair of arms of the fixed portion by a livinghinge.
 9. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the contact flange comprises athickness of between about 2.00 millimeters and 2.25 millimeters. 10.The syringe of claim 1, wherein the syringe plunger comprises a firstend, a second end, and a middle body portion extending between the firstand second ends, the contact flange being positioned at the first end.11. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the contact flange comprises one ormore surface features.